Historic move sees RCM pull out of NHS Pay Review Body process
In a historic move after two decades the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has announced that it is withdrawing from the NHS Pay Review Body (PRB) process for 2026/27. The decision the trade union says ‘it hasn’t taken lightly’ but one they feel is ‘absolutely necessary’ given lack of progress on NHS pay reform for […]
RCM calls on TUC Congress to ‘stand with us to tackle inequalities in maternity care’
‘The trade union movement should be on the side of every woman and every baby whose lives are endangered by inequalities.’ That’s the message the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has taken to the 2025 Trade Union Congress (TUC) this weekend. The RCM used the first of its two motions to shine a light on […]
Support for midwives as NHS autumn vaccine rollout begins
As the NHS launches its autumn vaccination programme, the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is providing members with support, practical tools and evidence-based information to help them respond confidently to questions from women in their care. This autumn, the NHS is offering flu and RSV vaccines to pregnant women. However, for the first time since […]
On call proposals scrapped by Trust following RCM ballot result
Confirmation that plans to implement a grossly unfair acute on call rota for midwives in South Tyneside and Sunderland have been scrapped has been welcomed by the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) The RCM says the U-turn by the Trust is as a result of ‘members collectively standing strong together’ and turning out in their […]
Midwives in South Tyneside and Sunderland vote YES to industrial action
Midwives in South Tyneside and Sunderland have voted in favour of taking industrial action over proposals for arrangements that would see them being ‘on call’ on their days off. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) says its recent ballot of impacted members has resulted in a resounding yes to industrial action with 97.18% voting in […]
New RCM Director for Northern Ireland
A midwife with over 30 years clinical, academic and strategic midwifery experience has been appointed as the new Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Director for Northern Ireland. Dr Dale Spence has held several midwifery roles throughout her longstanding career including at government level, as Midwifery Officer within the Chief Nursing Officers senior team in Northern […]
What the 10-year plan means for maternity services
Last week saw the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care unveil their ambitious 10-year plan for England’s NHS, though we may have to wait a little longer to know what the future holds for maternity services. The plan, Fit for the future: 10 Year Health Plan for England, has been […]
RCM responds to Government’s Ten-Year Plan
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has responded to the government’s Ten-Year Plan for services in England. The RCM says it’s a ‘positive step forward’ that this government’s plan has acknowledged the current working culture in the NHS and the impact that has on the health and wellbeing of staff. Describing the plan as ‘ambitious’ […]
New RCM Board members elected
Four new midwives have been elected to join the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) Board. Announcing the new Board members the RCM has thanked its members for voting in the recent election. The RCM Board is responsible for the overall direction and setting the strategic objectives of the RCM and is made up entirely of […]
RCM ballots members on industrial action over on call arrangements
Midwives in South Tyneside and Sunderland are being balloted on industrial action over proposals for on call arrangements that would see them being ‘on call’ on their days off. The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has described the proposals as ‘unsafe and grossly unfair’ which would effectively see midwives having their on call working hours […]